The Good Offices and Security Section facilitates smooth operations for international cooperation activities taking place in Geneva. In particular, it:
- facilitates visa inssuance for delegates coming to international conferences that take place in Geneva;
- manages litigation and contentious situations that involve Geneva-based diplomats to facilitate resolution of these situations;
- deals with security-related requests from international organisations and Permanent Missions; and
- ensures compliance with Switzerland's special duty of protection for diplomats and delegate, as a Host State.
1. Good offices
Good offices are a tool for Swiss foreign policy: Switzerland offers parties to a conflict the possibility to negotiate on its territory, providing a neutral ground. The section includes a Visa Competence Center, which implements Switzerland's obligations under Host State agreements agreed with international organisations, and in accordance with Schengen regulations. In line with Switzerland's Host State policy, this advisory and decision-making service facilitates the entry and stay on Swiss territory of delegates attending the thousands of meetings held in Geneva each year. It works closely with Swiss embassies/consulates worldwide, international organisations and permanent missions.
Within Switzerland’s Host State policy, specialized staff facilitate the management of disputes involving beneficiaries of privileges and immunities. This includes handling cases relating to traffic law, customs issues and debt recovery.
The section also offers its expertise and coordination skills for mediation and good offices operations on behalf of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs as well as protocol services in Geneva on behalf of the Swiss Confederation.
2. Security
The section serves as an entry point for security-related requests from international organisations and permanent missions. They mainly concern the protection of diplomatic representations and high-ranking personalities, such as Heads of State, Heads of Government, Ministers and other high-level dignitaries in Switzerland. They also include security matters related to international conferences and meetings.
Within this framework, the Swiss Mission works closely with the federal police, the Geneva cantonal police, and various other entities in the security field. The section is also a key partner of the cantonal disaster management authorities (ORCA).
